Melanoma Research Foundation Issues Statement on Settlement Banning False Claims from ITA

A statement from the Melanoma Research Foundation

[USPRwire, Thu Jan 28 2010] The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) released the following statement regarding the Indoor Tanning Association’s (ITA) recent settlement that bars the organization from making any further false health and safety claims about indoor tanning.

The Melanoma Research Foundation commends the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency charged with preventing deceptive business practices, for its actions against the ITA and barring the organization from continuing its irresponsible marketing campaign. Since the launch of an advertising campaign in March 2008, the ITA made numerous misleading statements and claims about the health benefits of indoor tanning, as well as minimized the risks of developing melanoma and other skin cancers from tanning devices.

The settlement also reiterates the need for clear and fact-based guidelines for tanning devices, as many consumers still do not understand that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as sunlight or indoor tanning booths, is one of the major risk factors for melanoma. Research has shown that using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent and occasionally using tanning beds can triple your chances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to hold a March hearing to review and discuss possible risks associated with tanning bed use. The MRF has been encouraging patients to submit comments in advance of the hearing that highlight the connection between melanoma and tanning beds.

“The research shows there is no such thing as a safe tan and no reason to using UV to boost vitamin D levels since it is a known carcinogen,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the Melanoma Research Foundation. “Yet, Americans continue to expose themselves to harmful UV rays and drastically increase their risk of developing melanoma, the fastest growing cancer in the United States and worldwide. We need clear and fact-based regulations in place to absolutely ensure that consumers know the life-threatening risks that accompany stepping into a tanning bed for non-medical reason.”

Among the false claims made by the ITA’s advertising campaign was that indoor tanning is safer than tanning outdoors because the UV light is monitored and controlled. Another was that the risks of not getting enough vitamin D (produced by the body when exposed to UV light) outweigh the possibility of developing skin cancer. However, scientific evidence refutes these claims and studies show that people who tan indoors increase their risk for developing melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, any possible benefits of vitamin D from tanning beds can be achieved safely through a healthy diet or supplements. The amount of UV exposure needed to produce sufficient vitamin D levels is very small and does not justify the need for sunbathing.

In 2009, it is estimated that 69,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanoma, resulting in one death every single hour. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to -29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.

More information about the FTC’s complaint and settlement with the ITA can be accessed at: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/tanning.shtm.


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About Melanoma
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 69,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2009, resulting in 8,650 deaths or one person every hour. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.

About Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.